This study covers Mphahlele's writing in the genres of the novel, autobiography and short story. His writing is closely analyzed against a background of existing critical and theoretical understandings of these genres and the relationship of these concepts to literature, culture, politics. It draws on Mphahlele's own criticism and other polemical works as invaluable sources. Mphahlele's writing explores Black life in South Africa and protests against apartheid, exploring culture and politics.